Coltsfoot is a unique herb, the healing qualities of which are recognized as official medicine. Dry or fresh raw materials of this perennial will definitely be found in the arsenal of any herbalist. It is widely used in many diseases, as well as for cosmetic purposes. When to collect a coltsfoot and how to brew, what can be cured with the help of this plant and to whom it is better to abstain from such therapy - you will find answers to these questions later in the article.
- Chemical composition
- Medicinal properties
- Preparation of medical raw materials
- The use of coltsfoot in traditional medicine
- The juice
- Tea
- Decoction
- Infusion
- Tincture on alcohol
- Outdoor remedy
- Application in cosmetology
- Cooking Application
- Contraindications
Chemical composition
The medicinal effect of the herb, which in the scientific literature is called Tussilago farfara, or the subdelive tooth, is explained by its rich chemical composition. Scientists have discovered bitter glycosides in the foliage of coltsfoot. The properties of these organic substances are very valuable in medicine.
- saponins, which determine the main therapeutic directions of the herb;
- carotenes, which, when released into the human body, are transformed into vitamin A;
- malic, ascorbic and gallic acids, which are responsible for metabolic processes;
- phytosterols - fat-like substances;
- mucus, whose value is enveloping and softening qualities;
- vitamin C;
- essential oils;
- alkaloids;
- tannins.
Medicinal properties
Scientific medicine recommends using leaves and flowers.whose pharmacy names are Folium Farfarae and Flores Farfaiae, respectively. Most often they are used as an expectorant in the treatment of cough and respiratory organs. Outlets of this drug culture also help with angina, pneumonia, tuberculosis, imbalance of the gastrointestinal tract, bronchial asthma.
Beauticians use perennial to rejuvenate skin cells and heal hair. If you regularly wash your hair with decoction of coltsfoot, dandruff and damaged tips will disappear.
Preparation of medical raw materials
Outlets coltsfoot appear in early spring. Long before this, the creeping roots of the plants emit straight peduncles formed from autumn, densely covered with purple scales. Soon, bright sunny flowers form from them, and only then the stalked leaves of a rounded shape, resembling a heart, develop. The size of one leaf plate is equal to the human palm. You can find out the foliage of this plant by its dark green color, smooth cold surface and strongly pubescent soft inner side.
Flower baskets are harvested in the first months of spring, and foliage - in early summer. No need to hurry with the workpiece. Wait until the leaves fully open and lose a little felt fleecy. It is better to pluck the scapes with old leaf plates from plants that live in areas filled with the sun. Their chemical composition is more saturated with therapeutic components. Drying medical raw materials can be on the street, but not in direct sunlight. The ideal option is a well ventilated attic, where there is always partial shade, dry and warm. If this is not possible, you can use an electric dryer, setting at the same time 30-34 ° C.Some lay out the collected raw materials on a piece of cloth or cardboard and dry it under room conditions.
After drying, the sockets of the medicinal herb are packed in paper bags and sent for storage in dry and well ventilated places. The collection does not lose its healing qualities for three years.
The use of coltsfoot in traditional medicine
Some use the drug for medical needs, while others - for beauty, body strengthening and prevention of various diseases. In the recipe often there are decoctions, teas, tinctures, including alcohol. We will understand how to prepare the medicine and in what cases it is necessary to apply one or another form of it.
The juice
In this form, the coltsfoot is often used in field conditions when it is necessary to heal a rotting wound, boils, burns and other inflamed wounds on the skin. Besides, Herbalists are advised to drink the juice from the grass with a breakdown, weakened immunity, as a tonic and tonic, as well as for preventive purposes.
Tea
Coltsfoot tea is very effective for colds and cough. The drink is prepared from fresh or dried raw materials, brewing boiling water. Moreover, for these purposes they use the entire herbal outlet, together with leaves and flowers. Drink the drug should be warm up to three times a day.
Decoction
Herbal teas, like teas, have immunizing properties. They are recommended for the treatment and prevention of diseases, as well as for the restoration of the body after illness.
Infusion
The infusion is made from the dry leaves of the plant. 30 g of raw material is poured with a glass of boiling water and steamed for 15 minutes. Then strain through the gauze. The resulting liquid is mixed with an equal part of the non-hot boiled water. Daily drink 100 g of the drug twice a day after meals.
Tincture on alcohol
To obtain alcohol tinctures you will need to take equal parts of dry leaves and vodka. All ingredients combine and insist a week in a dark kitchen cabinet. Then the drug is drained and taken orally by 40 drops 20 minutes before meals. Do not drink water.
Outdoor remedy
In cases of appearance on the body of ulcers and inflamed wounds that are poorly healed, fresh leaves of perennial will save the situation.They are thoroughly washed and applied to the sore spot. It is desirable to do similar compresses for the night, fixing bandage.
If the disease has happened to you in the winter, when there is no young foliage yet, you can prepare an ointment from dry raw materials. It is well crushed and tincture is prepared. Then filter. The resulting liquid is mixed with 100 g of animal fat, and some honey is added to improve the effect. All ingredients are thoroughly stirred. The finished product is stored in a dark place in a container with a tight lid. If you do not want to engage in the preparation of homemade ointments, you can replace them with decoction. In this case, the cloth is moistened with a healing liquid and applied to the wound.
Application in cosmetology
Many modern ladies prefer natural care for their skin, body and hair. The coltsfoot is a real source of health for them. Moreover, it is not at all difficult for a loved one to make a decoction, tincture, or a mask from a medicinal plant.
Many beauties simply rub freshly squeezed juice into the skin of exposed areas of the body. As a result, they shine with beauty and health. In addition, the epidermis receives the necessary nutrition, which allows it to maintain its elasticity and color.
To get rid of dandruff, wash your head with herbal decoction. They are prepared according to the classical scheme. But in order to strengthen and heal the hair, the prepared liquid must be twice daily processing of dry hair roots. In addition, during this period it is advisable not to use a hairdryer.
Cooking Application
In the spring, when the body suffers from a lack of vitamins, nutrient-fortified foods are very relevant on the table. The leaves and peduncles of a podbel ordinary are used as an ingredient for salads, and also added to vegetable soups, stews, meat dishes, and sauces are made from it. Housewives who care about the healthy food of their family, widely use fresh perennial as a spice on a par with parsley and dill. Moreover, they are seasoned with omelets, meatloaf rolls, and pies with potatoes. Grass combines well with other vegetables. It can be combined with prunes as well as with garlic and honey. Sweet tooths have found her use even in cheese casserole and sorbet.
Contraindications
Do not recommend therapy to a coltsfoot during pregnancy and lactation, as well as to children up to 12 years of age. Restrictions apply to people with chronic alcohol dependence, suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and with individual intolerance to the components of the plant.
Despite the indisputable benefit of pobel, do not self-medicate. Consultation specialist is important in all cases. Be always healthy and cheerful!